Topical cosmetic compositions comprising alpha arbutin

ABSTRACT

This invention is a topical tyrosinase inhibiting combination using alpha arbutin and bearberry extract, in synergism, for the purpose of skin lightening. The active admixture is a dermatological serum comprised of alpha arbutin, octyl stearate and polyolprepolymer-2, introduced onto the human skin in liposome form for ultra-deep penetration.

REFERENCES CITED [REFERENCED BY] U.S. Patent Documents

6,695,260 May, 2003 Ley, et al. 6,537,527 March, 2002 Kvalnes, et al 6,492,326 December, 2002 Robinson, et al 6,077,503 June, 2000 Dornoff, et al. 5,980,904 November, 1999 Ley, et Al. 5,932,608 August, 1999 Nguyen, et. Al. 5,854,327 October, 1998 Neis, et al. 5,747,006 May, 1998 Dornoff, et al. 5,700,784 December, 1997 Shinujima, et al 5,310,730 April, 1987 Tokugan, et al 4,764,505 March, 1985 Tokugan, et al 4,278,656 December, 1992 Leverett et al.

Foreign Patent Documents

672746 September, 1995 EP. 95/01157 January, 1995 WO. 2577805 January, 1994 FR

Other References

-   Abstracts of Japan, Vol. 11, No. 297 (C448)(2744) Sep. 25, (JPA 620     896081, Apr. 24, 1987. -   Centerchem Brochure: Alpha Arbutin, Norwalk, Conn. 2001. -   Cosmetics & Toiletries, vol. 111, pp.43-51, Giuseppe Prota, PhD,     Melatanins and Melanogenesis, 1996 -   Gattefosse Brochure: “Gatulene Whitening,” BP603-F 69804 St. Priest     Cedex, France. -   Laboratoire Serobiologiques brochure: “Dermawhite,” Nancy, France. -   Chemical Abstracts, Vol. 87, No 5, Columbus, Ohio. Abstract 28987,     1995. -   Youngken, H. W., Textbook of Pharmacognosy, p. 639, Blakiston,     Philadelphia, 1948. -   Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, p 170, Rodale Press,     Emmaus, Pa. 1997. -   Polyolprepolymer-2, Brochure, Barnet, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1999. -   Brookosomes, Liposome Brochure, Brook's Industries Inc., South     Plainfield, N.J. 2000. -   Chemical Abstracts (121.91340) Skin Lightening Property Containing     Gentistic Acid Ester. Glycosides, Shinijiana, et. al. 1994.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to topical cosmetic compositions, in particular, human skin lightening compositions, comprising admixtures of alpha arbutin and bearberry extract used for topical application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a novel topically applied dermocosmetic composition comprising certain admixtures of the glucoside alpha arbutin and the botanical extract bearberry to be used in skin lightening.

Certain humans at different phases of their lifetime, and from different parts of the world, and in differing phases of their health develop excess melanin and/or colored blemishes on the skin. This excess melanin can occur on any part of the human body, but most commonly appear on the face and back of the hands. These dark spots are caused by high levels of melanin in the keratinocytes located in the top layer of the epidermis.

Melanocytes are located deep in the stratum granulosum, produce melanin, and through an unknown mechanism the melanin rises through about 100 cell layers to the surface where they exist as unsightly dark spots.

Biochemically, the process is:

-   -   Tyrosine amino acid (from diet) goes to Dopa; Dopa goes to         Dopaquinone;     -   Dopaquinone goes to Dopachrome; Dopachrome goes to Melanin.         Melanin deposits are seen as the dark spots on the surface of         the human skin. They may be called “sun spots” or “age spots” or         “liver spots.”

Tyrosinase Inhibition

Tyrosinase is the enzyme which catalyzes the amino acid tyrosine into dopa (dihydroxyphenylamine), as well as the change from dopa into dopaquinone. Skin lightening products are designed to inhibit the action of tyrosinase.

Hydroquinone is the most common inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosinase. Hydroquinone is OTC Monographed (United States Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR) as a Category I skin lightener/skin bleacher/skin whitener in the concentration limits of 1.5-2.0% by weight. Used in this concentration, no clinical trials and no pre-market clearance are necessary in the USA marketplace. Used in higher concentrations than 2% by weight, hydroquinone compositions legally require a prescription in the USA marketplace. Production of hydroquinone preparations over 2% by weight requires an approved ANDA (Approved New Drug Application-21 CFR 394). However, hydroquinone is an irritant to some individuals, particularly those with light skin types, and may be cytotoxic to melanocytes. It is not legally marketed in Japan, the Union of South Africa and several other countries at present, and several other countries are considering denying legal marketing clearance because of concern about long term toxicity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Alpha arbutin avoids the direct toxicity of hydroquinone and the indirect toxicity of beta arbutin which easily hydrolyses to hydroquinone. Alpha arbutin acts more slowly than hydroquinone, taking a slightly longer time to meet the customer's skin lightening objectives when used alone. This invention involves the use of alpha arbutin and bearberry extract in combination, This combination is synergistic in skin whitening effectiveness, as the bearberry extract serves to potentiate the alpha arbutin. Moreover, the alpha-glucosidic bond has a higher stability than the beta gluosidic bond, giving greater stability and greater effectiveness than beta arbutin.

Advanced Liposome Delivery System

This patent teaches that the use of polyolprepolymer-2 in an admixture with alpha arbutin/bearberry extract. This is in order to both extend the stability of the alpha arbutin to avoid possible deleterious effects due to oxidation related to the oxygen in the atmosphere as well as that caused by cell respiration potentiators found in epidermal respiration,

This invention teaches that the use of polyolprepolymer-2, when admixed with the serum comprised of alpha arbutin and octyl stearate, can be administered into the human skin using a liposome advanced delivery mechanism. Liposomes can easily be formed by those familiar in the art of liposome manufacture, using either preformed empty liposomes (Brookosomes MT) or by using ultra high pressure (20,000-40,000 PSI) in the usual microfluidizer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, a serum comprised of alpha arbutin 0.01-6.0% w/w (more preferably 1-4% w/w) plus bearberry extract 0.01% w/w (most preferably 1-3% w/w) is admixed with polyolprepolymer-2 0.5-10% w/w (most preferably 1-3% w/w), and this combination is further prepared into a liposome form with the use of lecithin, water and ultra high pressure microfludizer. The liposome formation is well known to those familiar in the use of the ultra high PSI providing microfluidizer.

This invention additionally teaches the serum-liposome admixture being further admixed into a gel or cream carrier as an advanced delivery system used in cosmetic, esthetician, spa and dermatology office settings.

Additionally, this stabilized alpha arbutin-polyolprepolymer 2-liposome concentrate, which has been diluted into a cosmetic carrier, is potentiated with the admixture of the proven botanical extract, bearberry extract. Moreover, additional nutrients including Vitamins A, B, C, E and Panthenol may be included in the liposome addition process.

Clinical testing using before and after microscopic videos establishes that this potentiation takes place in clinical, human usage.

Composition

The most preferable embodiment composition is as follows: Part Ingredient INCI Percentage by weight A Aqua (water) qs 100% A Methylparaben 0.23 A Glycerin 4 A EDTA disodium 0.12 B Cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth 20 9 B Propylparaben 0.12 B Cetyl palmitate 2 B Dimethicone 50 1 B Steareth-20 1 C Alpha arbutin 3 C Octyl stearate 7 C Polyolprepolymer-2 2 D Lecithin, Water 1 (Brookosomes MT) Lecithin, Vitamins A, C & E 1 E Bearberry Extract 1 (Gatulin-Gattefosse)

Manufacturing Procedure

Manufacturing procedure for the most preferred embodiment is as follows:

-   The hot part B (80 degrees C.) is mixed into the hot part A (80     degrees C.) to form the conventional emulsion core. Continue mixing     and cooling. -   Part C is prepared in a separate jacketed kettle at about 45 degrees     C. -   As part AB is mixing and cooling to about 45 degrees C., slowly add     part C with mixing, then slowly add part D (all liposomes). -   Continue to mix and cool part ABCD to about 35 degrees C. Slowly add     with high agitation the Part E. Continue to mix and cool to 25     degrees C. 

1. A composition comprising the admixture of alpha arbutin with bearberry extract formulated into an acceptable dermatological carrier. a. the percentage of alpha arbutin is 0.01-6.0% w/w of final composition. b. the percentage of bearberry extract is 0.01-20% w/w of final composition.
 2. The composition in claim 1 above with the alpha arbutin/bearberry extract admixture is further admixed into a polyprepolymer-2 serum.
 3. The composition in claim 2 above wherein the alpha arbutin mixture is prepared partially or totally into liposome form.
 4. The composition in claim 3 above wherein the final liposome carries additional nutrients such as vitamins A. C. E D and Panthenol. 